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Spotlight

Ubaka Ogbogu is an Associate Professor in the Faculties of Law and Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and the Katz Research Fellow in Health Law and Science Policy, at the University of Alberta. Dr. Ogbogu is a recipient of the Confederation of Alberta Faculties Association Distinguished Academic Early Career Award. He holds a doctorate in law from the University of Toronto, a academic publications have appeared in numerous law and science journals, including Health Law Journal, Stem Cell, Nature Biotechnology, EMBO Reports, Regenerative Medicine, Canadian Medical Association Journal, Canadian Pharmacists Journal.

Tell us about yourself?

I am a legal academic who resides in Edmonton with my wife, Gift and our Masters of Laws degree from the University of Alberta and undergraduate degree in law from the University of Benin, Nigeria and the Nigerian Law School.

He teaches and researches in the areas of health law and science policy studies, law and bioethics, legal history of science/medicine, pharmacy law and ethics and the law of torts. He previously taught at the Universities

Prof. Ubaka Ogbogu

of Nigeria, York and Minnesota and his two daughters.

Why did you study law? I never really wanted to so I don’t have a why. I kind of stumbled into it. My initial choice was Classics.

Would you say black men are incentived to achieve by this community?

I tend not to think of blackness as a thing that attaches to just men and their incentives. The black body exists in many different forms, and we see and share incentives in common and different ways. If my answer sounds convoluted, it is because I don’t really understand the question!

Is there a parallel between the End Sars movement in Nigeria and the Black Lives Matter Movement?

Yes, police brutality is a common denominator.

How did you maintain a semblance of balance during covid 19? You are vocal on Twitter- Why did you choose Twitter as a platform?

I find balance in taking each day as it comes. I have an introverted side, and it has helped me a lot during this pandemic. It helps that I have a family I absolutely love spending time with. As for Twitter, is there anyone who is not on it? It is a good way to engage with the issues of the day, and I enjoy engaging with the issues of the day.

Do University professors experience racism?

I can’t answer for “university professors” in general, but I have experienced racism and I am sure others have as well, particularly academics who are Indigenous, Black or other persons of colour.

Why should Nigerians get more involved in community matters in Edmonton?

Because they are Edmontonians and we owe it to ourselves to be part of building and maintaining our community.

What are your plans for Christmas?

I don’t celebrate Christmas. I plan to spend the time hanging out with my family, reading, and cross-country skiing.

Are you looking forward to 2021? Why?

Of course. Every new year is special because it marks a new beginning. After the events of 2020, a reset would be nice. Hopefully we get one.

What books are you reading now?

Alex S. Vitale, The End of Policing, and David Van Reybrouck, Congo: The Epic History of a People

Twitter: @UbakaOgbogu

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Stay balanced and safe this holiday season

by Mary Thomas

The festive season 2020 is on us. Navratri, Diwali, Gurparab, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, New Year’s—when we spend time with family and friends enjoying old traditions and creating new ones. Many of those traditions involve food. This year we have an uninvited guest COVID-19 to contend with. 32 After months of isolation, many families view the holidays as both an opportunity for relief and a cause for concern. FYI: The COVID-19 virus is not taking a break. Keep up with all safety precautions, both for you and for those around you, to ensure that you enjoy a truly healthy holiday season. A few tips to keep you and your family healthy during this unusual holiday season.LadiesCorner.ca – Winter 2020

Safety first

The pandemic is not over. To minimize your chances of contracting or spreading the virus, everyone should continue to follow the basic guidelines we’ve got used to: Wear a mask (except when eating). Stay at least six feet away from other people.

Wash your hands frequently.

Additional guidelines for safe gatherings during the holidays: Limit get-togethers to people from no more than three households. Keep events to under two hours. If possible, hold gatherings outdoors. Avoid singing and loud talking. Take socially distanced photographs If you’re feeling unwell or have any concerns about the safety of an event you’re considering, stay home! It’s better to be cautious than to risk unnecessary exposure to COVID-19.

Schedule

Holidays are about food, no matter how you celebrate them. Maintaining a routine and planning ahead can help your family strike a balance between having healthy meals and enjoying the occasional indulgence. Involve children in shopping and preparing meals and snacks. This gives them a sense of ownership and pride as people comment on their delectable culinary creations. This is especially helpful for picky eaters. Keep to your normal meal times to limit the graze-and-grab style of eating that can creep in when there’s lots of food around. Set up innovative holiday traditions that are not based on food. A daily family walk to look at holiday decorations, board-game night, a creative way to get each member light the candles—activities like these move the attention away from food as you build long-lasting memories.

Be realistic about food choices. Let kids have their special foods, but fill in with healthy snacks they could prepare themselves. A bowl of chopped fruit or vegetables with nuts sprinkled on top can appeal to children get them to do the chopping, peeling, or sprinkling themselves. Include lots of vegetables and fruits in your meals. They are not only nourishing but add a vibrant splash of color to the table. If you know you’ll be busy with holiday preparations, set aside a plate of healthy foods like fruit, nuts, and yogurt in advance. Then you’ll have something quick and nutritious to reach for when you’re hungry.

Be kind to others

Unemployment resulting from the coronavirus pandemic has pushed many people to the edge of their ability to cope, and food insecurity is now the reality in many households. Consider volunteering with your family at a food pantry or soup kitchen to help distribute food or serve meals. Be aware that holiday eating can be stressful for people with chronic conditions such as diabetes or celiac disease. Ask your guests if they have any food restrictions so that you can have appropriate food available for them. They will be grateful and you’ll feel great! If anyone in your family has a chronic condition that affects what they can eat, let the hosts know in advance so that your whole family can enjoy the celebration. Don’t be shy about this—your hosts will appreciate your telling them.

Be kind to yourself.

Stay active. This can be your most effective stress-reduction tool any time of the year but especially during the holidays. Take time to relax. Go for a walk. Meditate. Read a book. Recognize that taking care of yourself is an act of giving. It will enrich your experience of your holiday. Be a role model for your family in selfcare. Take time to rest, digest and enjoy everything calmly, in moderation. For many of us, the holiday season is when we forget about healthy lifestyle goals, we usually set for ourselves. For me, it’s all about balance and ensuring your healthy life is manageable and sustainable all year round which means indulgence, parties, good holiday food and fun times. Deprivation is not a good idea. Enjoy Christmas treats! Deprivation often leads to overeating or binge-eating. We have to learn to eat with moderation and mindfulness, instead. Remember: holiday meals don’t have to leave you feeling stuffed, lethargic and unhealthy. Especially because there are so many tasty, wholesome alternatives to festive food. Prepare healthy versions of your favourite treats!